Self-defeating anxiety explored: The contribution of terror management theory and rational-emotive therapy

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the present paper is to explore the contribution of Terror Management Theory (TMT) and Rational-Emotive Therapy (RET) to the explanation of severe self-defeating anxiety. Following a theoretical outline, three cardinal constructs are identified and their contribution examined in two separate empirical studies. Study 1 included 109 members of self-help clubs for people with severe anxiety problems. As expected, irrational standards and self-focused attention were concomitants of anxiety as well as independent contributors (multiple R=.714) in the prediction of anxiety. No significant interaction effect was observed. Study 2 included 36 women with severe anxiety problems, volunteering for a program in assertiveness training. As expected, self-focused attention, irrational standards and coping incapability here contributed independently (multiple R=.776) to the prediction of anxiety before entering the program. Following the program, expected decreases were observed both in irrational sta...